A faux pas ( plural: faux pas ) is a socially awkward or tactless act, especially one that violates accepted social norms, standard customs, or the rules of etiquette.faux pas – Definition from Longman English Dictionary Online The expression faux pas comes from French, where it means “false step”, “misstep” (in a physical as well as a figurative sense).Faux pas – Definition and More from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary It has been used in English for over 300 years. Synonyms in English include gaffe and (social) blunder.